If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Friday roundup: Latest Free Agency News

NFL.com

The 2008 free-agent signing period is under way, and the NFL Network's Adam Schefter is burning up the phone lines. Follow all of Friday's free-agent action right here. Check back frequently for updates.

Pats CB Samuel visiting Eagles
New England free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel is visiting the Philadelphia Eagles, and there are indications a deal could be done as early as Friday afternoon.

The team has scheduled a media availability with Samuel for 4:30 p.m. ET, though it did not indicate that a deal was done.

Samuel was tagged as the Patriots' franchise player after the 2006 season and played the 2007 season under an agreement that the team would not franchise him again, thus allowing him to test the free-agent market.

The Eagles also are making a push to sign Oakland free-agent defensive end Chris Clemons.

Jaguars sign WR Porter
The Jaguars bolstered their receiving corps on Friday as they signed former Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter to a six-year, $30 million deal that includes $10 million worth of guaranteed money.

The Jaguars also have signed free-agent quarterback Cleo Lemon to a three-year contract worth just under $9 million.

Parcells wasting no time Miami
After a busy morning of making deals, the Dolphins signed free-agent QB Josh McCown, who started nine games for the Raiders last year, to a two-year deal, $6.25 million contract Friday afternoon. He could start in Week 1 for Miami.

Miami also signed former Jacksonville free-agent wide receiver Ernest Wilford to a four-year, $13 million contract that included a $6 million signing bonus and another $1 million escalator.

The Miami Dolphins stormed out of the free-agent gate early Friday, adding yet another young player. The Dolphins reached agreement with former Tennessee defensive tackle Randy Starks on a five-year, $21 million contract that includes $7 million worth of guaranteed money. The best part of Starks might be his upside. He is only 24 years old.

The Dolphins also have reached agreement on a trade with the Dallas Cowboys that would reunite DT Jason Ferguson with Parcells and give Miami a new starting defensive tackle tandem for the coming season.

Additionally, the Dolphins signed former Jets tight end Sean Ryan to a one-year deal and were expecting a visit from Arizona linebacker Calvin Pace.

Browns to deal for Packers DT Williams
The Cleveland Browns will trade their 2008 second-round pick to Green Bay for defensive tackle Corey Williams. Cleveland then will agree to a deal with Williams that pays him $18 million in guaranteed money and $23 million in the first three years of the deal.

Williams had been tagged last week as Green Bay's franchise player. He played in all 16 games, including nine starts, in 2007 and set career highs with 51 tackles and 32 solo stops. He tied his career high with seven sacks.

Also, Tennessee free-agent defensive end Travis LaBoy is scheduled to visit the Browns.

Jets acquire Panthers DT Jenkins
The Jets traded third- and fifth-round draft choices to Carolina for defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. The Jets then signed Jenkins to a five-year, $35 million contract that includes $20 million in guaranteed money.

Bills reach deal with LB Mitchell
Linebacker Kawika Mitchell has reached an agreement with the Buffalo Bills on a five-year, $17.5 million contract that includes $5 million worth of guaranteed money.

The five-year veteran started all 16 games for the Giants last season after being the team's only notable free-agent addition a year ago. He finished with 87 tackles, 3½ sacks and one interception in the regular season. He added two sacks in four playoff games, including one in the Giants' Super Bowl win over New England.

Additionally, the Bills were expecting a visit from Tennessee free-agent tight end Ben Troupe this weekend.

Bucs sign Faine
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made Jeff Faine the highest-paid center in the game, signing the former Saint to a six-year, $37.5 million deal, including $15 million in guaranteed money. The deal will pay Faine $20 million in the first three years.

The Vikings also announced the signing of fifth-year fullback Thomas Tapeh, who played with the Philadelphia Eagles when Vikings coach Brad Childress was offensive coordinator.

49ers land RB Foster
The 49ers reached agreement on a one-year deal with free-agent running back Deshaun Foster.

Foster, a six-year veteran, gained 876 yards rushing and caught 25 passes in 16 games for the Panthers last season. However, he also fumbled seven times in 247 carries, losing five.

Also, the 49ers announced the signing of veteran CB Allen Rossum, who was waived by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Falcons re-sign Redman, woo free agents
The Atlanta Falcons re-signed quarterback Chris Redman to a two-year, $5 million contract that includes another $3 million in escalators. Redman could wind up being the Falcons opening-day starting quarterback.

Additionally, the Falcons had visits scheduled from at least four coveted free agents. San Diego running back Michael Turner, Tennessee tight end Ben Hartsock, Jets safety Erik Coleman and Texans linebacker Von Hutchins all were expected to visit the Falcons on Friday.

Skins keep Collins
The Washington Redskins resigned quarterback Todd Collins to a three-year, $9 million contract that included a $3 million signing bonus. The 36-year-old veteran backup replaced an injured Jason Campbell in Washington's Week 14 win over Chicago, then started the last three games of the regular season, helping the Redskins earn a wild-card berth. With Campbell coming back from a knee injury, it was considered important for new head coach Jim Zorn to retain the veteran backup. -- Adam Schefter

Raiders keep DT Kelly
The Oakland Raiders resigned defensive lineman Tommy Kelly on Thursday to a seven-year contract that reportedly could be worth more than $50 million.

Kelly, coming off reconstructive knee surgery, was set to become an unrestricted free agent on Friday. But the Raiders pre-empted that with a lucrative contract that guarantees Kelly more than $18 million.

Keeping Kelly was an offseason priority for Oakland after defensive tackle Warren Sapp retired. Kelly was the team's most consistent defensive lineman last season before sustaining the season-ending knee injury Oct. 28 against Tennessee. Kelly finished last season with 27 solo tackles, one sack and a blocked kick that helped seal Oakland's first win of the season. He has 13 sacks in four seasons in the NFL. -- The Associated Press

Quick-hitters» With kicker Jeff Wilkins retiring Friday, the rams are wasting little time trying to find a replacement. Seattle free-agent kicker Josh Brown is visiting the St. Louis Rams on Friday.

» It didn't take long for Trent Green, who has received medical clearance to resume his career, to draw interest. He has scheduled visits next week with his former team, the St. Louis Rams, and the New Orleans Saints.

I'm not.....He is talented but he quits and doesn't want to play at times....I know he plays in the wasteland known as the Oakland Raiders....But when you're paid millions like these bums are then you better play hard all the time...I wanted to see Justin Smith signed or a center...But with the Steelers only 2 million under the cap as of right now I don't expect the Rooney's to do anything in free agency....Which makes this upcoming draft so huge and hoping that last years number 1 Lawrence Timmons shows something in his second year.....